LG Uplus Launches Drone Delivery for Smartphones to Remote Islands

Jeju, South Korea - South Korean telecom operator LG Uplus (032640. KS) announced the launch of a drone-based smartphone delivery service to remote islands, marking a first for the country's telecommunications industry.

The service began operations on October 2 and initially covers three islands in Jeju Province: Gapado, Biyangdo, and Marado. 

It aims to reduce delivery times for island residents from about seven days to two or three days.

LG Uplus has partnered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, and drone companies Narma and Quaternion to implement the service.

Customers can order smartphones through the official LG Uplus online mall. 

The devices are shipped from a drone delivery hub on Jeju Island to designated delivery points on the target islands.

The company plans to expand the service to 32 island regions, 17 park areas, and one port area across five local governments currently offering the K-Drone Delivery service, a public-private partnership initiative.

Jae-won Lee, Executive Vice President at LG Uplus, stated that the company aims to create "differentiated customer value" by improving convenience for consumers in island regions.

LG Uplus is also considering integrating the service with Jeju's public delivery app, "Meokkkaebi," to broaden its accessibility.